Firefighting operations at a blaze at K Laundry in Northwood Road, Ramsgate, today (July 23) have now been scaled down to four fire engines and a height vehicle.
Firefighters were called to the scene at 4.28am. At its height, 12 fire engines, the height vehicle and a bulk water carrier were in attendance. This was reduced at 11am to four fire engines and a height vehicle.
However, people living or working in the wider Northwood area are still advised to keep windows and doors closed. The KFRS volunteer response team is still in attendance.
Some properties in the area are experiencing a power cut. Engineers from UK Power Networks are working to fix the issue.
.A Kent Police spokesperson said: “Kent Police officers attended Northwood Road, Ramsgate on the morning of Tuesday 23 July 2024 to assist Kent Fire and Rescue Service at the scene of a fire.
“Northwood Road is currently closed between Margate Road and Marrose Avenue while the incident is responded to.”
Kent County Council highways says Northwood Road will be closed between Margate Road/ Newington Road to junction of Pysons Road until July 30th following the fire.
A signed diversion goes via Pysons Road – Rumfields Road – Westwood Road.
Update at 2.30pm: People living and working around Northwood Road in Ramsgate are still advised to keep their windows and doors closed. There are now two fire engines at the scene as crews continue to work on the site.
Update at 8.00pm: Crews remain at the scene o as they continue to dampen down hotspots. Residents and people working in the area are still being asked to keep windows and doors closed.
The commercial laundry and linen hire specialist was founded in 1928 and still operated from the original site.
It was sold by Clive Jones – grandson of the founders- in 2022 to Essex firm Belmont Laundry after he took the decision to retire,
At the end of December 2022, company accounts said there were 65 employees, including company directors.
The future for those workers is now uncertain as they wait to hear from company bosses.